COVID-19

The UK Government has unveilled its roadmap out of lockdown.  

The UK Government has announced a series of steps out of the national lockdown, the steps are being monitored and restrictions may change at any time. 

From 29th March:

• Outdoor sports to return
• Outdoor gatherings of up to 6 people is permitted
• Stay at home order ends.

From 12th April: 

• Non essential retail and businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons may reopen
• Most outdoor venues open, including pubs and restaurants but only for outdoor tables and beer gardens. Customers will have to be seated but there will be no need to have a meal with alcohol
• Zoos and theme parks can reopen
• Indoor leisure facilities such as pools and gyms can reopen, people can only attend on their own or as part of their household. 
• Holiday lets with no shared facilities can reopen for one household at a time

From 17th May: 

• Up to 30 people can meet outside
• Indoor mixing allowed for up to 6 people or two households
• Indoor venues, including pubs, restaurants, B&Bs, play centres, cinemas, museums and similar can reopen. The new indoor and outdoor mixing limits will remain for hospitality venues. 
• Indoor sports venues can have up to 1,000 sepctators, or large outdoor seated venues, such as football stadiums have a limit on 10,000 people. 

From 21st June:

• All legal limits on mixing will be removed and the last sectors to remain closed, such as nightclubs can open
• Large events can take place. 

While restrictions are starting to lift from 12th April with many accommodation providers and attractions permitted to open from 17th May, it is advised that you remain in your household or support bubbles at this time. 

Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus for all the latest information. 

#KnowBeforeYouGo

The #KnowBeforeYouGo campaign was launched to help give you peace of mind when travelling, so make sure to check the below and ensure that you know, before you go! Once lockdown restrictions have been lifted, make sure to check these things before travelling.

• When planning your trip, make sure to check the latest information online to see what restrictions may be in place, particularly if you are visiting an attraction or eatery as many of these have limited capacity and will require advanced booking.
• Check to see which restaurants and bars etc are open and what they have in place, ie, whether you can eat in, take away or whether you need to book.
• Make sure to maintain a two meter distance when you are exploring and enjoying North Devon.
• Wear a face covering at all times on public transport and in enclosed spaces unless you are medically exempt.
• Make sure you have a bank card on you as many places are only accepting contactless or card payments at the moment.
• Make sure to keep washing your hands, there will be extra chances to wash your hands in shops and attractions, but it is always a good idea to keep a travel sized bottle of hand sanitiser on your person, just in case!

Where to find key information

The latest information regarding Coronavirus and travelling can be found on the official government website. Make sure to check your plans before you travel as open hours may vary and local lockdowns may prevent you from travelling. Please check directly with the attractions etc that you are planning to visit for the most up to date information.

If you are already in the UK and start to feel unwell with symptoms, do not visit attractions, restaurants or other areas, please self-isolate and contact the online coronavirus service to get further information.

What businesses are open?

Currently, only essential shops and businesses are open as per lockdown rules. 

Both VisitEngland and the AA have launched new industry standard marks as a way of giving visitors peace of mind that every effort has been put into making businesses safe. Once restrictions have lifted, attractions, entertainment venues, eateries and accommodation providers will once again be open, look out for the Good to Go marks when booking for peace of mind.